Developing resilience by helping others

Another way for parents to help children be resilient and develop a resilient mindset is by providing children with opportunities to help others. There’s some wonderful research to show that one of the things that predicts whether or not children will be more hopeful and optimistic as they grow and develop is if starting at an early age you provide opportunities where they could help others, you do charitable activities as a family. And what it says to the child is because I’m on this earth, this earth is a better place.
I’ve actually worked with a lot of angry kids and one of the ways I lessen their anger is by saying, “I need your help. Would you help this other person?” And it is an amazing way of saying to this child, “I am worthwhile. I am on this earth for a reason.” And that continues throughout our life. And it is a certain strategy that you could use at any point.

Robert Brooks, PhD

Therapist & Author

Dr. Robert Brooks is a psychologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. He has lectured nationally and internationally and written extensively about the themes of resilience, parenting, family relationships, school climate, and balancing our personal and professional lives. He is the author or co-author of 15 books and has also appeared in several videos pertaining to helping children to become more responsible, self-disciplined, hopeful, and resilient.

Another way for parents to help children be resilient and develop a resilient mindset is by providing children with opportunities to help others. There’s some wonderful research to show that one of the things that predicts whether or not children will be more hopeful and optimistic as they grow and develop is if starting at an early age you provide opportunities where they could help others, you do charitable activities as a family. And what it says to the child is because I’m on this earth, this earth is a better place.
I’ve actually worked with a lot of angry kids and one of the ways I lessen their anger is by saying, “I need your help. Would you help this other person?” And it is an amazing way of saying to this child, “I am worthwhile. I am on this earth for a reason.” And that continues throughout our life. And it is a certain strategy that you could use at any point.